Top Carpet Fibers and Styles To Consider
When choosing a carpet fiber, consider things like allergies, pets, children, and the room’s traffic pattern. There are various carpet fiber options, both natural and synthetic. Carpet materials vary in texture, durability, stain resistance and maintenance.
The 8 Main Carpet Fiber Options
The main synthetic carpet fiber options include nylon, polyester, triexta and polypropylene. Natural fibers like wool, cotton and sisal also make good-quality carpets.
Natural Carpet Fibers
1. Wool
Wool carpets are natural fiber carpets made from sheep hair. They’re also produced from alpacas, llamas, goats, and camel hair. Wool carpeting is more expensive than synthetic carpeting but is also more durable.
Wool carpets maintain their appearance for a long time. The carpets are fire-resistant and act as insulators to keep your house warm. But wool carpets are prone to shedding and absorb stains fast.
2. Cotton
Carpet brands use cotton for mats and area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpets. The plant-based yarn wears out faster than synthetic fibers in high-traffic areas.
Like wool, cotton fiber attracts dirt and is prone to stains. Homeowners choose cotton for its soft texture and ease of maintenance. You can vacuum a cotton rug or machine wash it to remove stubborn stains.
Cotton is also suitable for a bathroom space as it absorbs moisture.
3. Sisal
Sisal is a carpet material that never goes out of style. It’s a tough fiber made from the sisal cactus plant. Sisal carpets have a rough texture and are common carpet types for outdoor setups. They have a coarse underfoot and could be uncomfortable to walk on.
Sisal carpets are available in different weaving patterns and give a natural look. Sisal fibers become slippery over time, making them unsafe for stairways and high-moisture areas. Because of their durability, homeowners prefer sisal carpets for entryways and living rooms.
Synthetic Carpet Fibers
1. Nylon
Nylon is a popular choice for both residential and commercial flooring. Nylon carpets offer durability and comfort at a fair price. Nylon doesn’t flatten in high-traffic areas and is easy to maintain.
A nylon carpet is also best for your basement as it’s resistant to mold, mildew, rot, stains, and insects. It’s worth noting that nylon carpets have two qualities: Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6.
2. Polyester
Polyester (PET) carpeting is made from synthetic fibers. Polyester fabric properties are comparable to nylon. It’s stain-resistant and has a soft feel.
These carpets come in a wide array of pet-friendly colors and styles. Polyester carpets are a “green” option since they are recyclable.
3. Triexta
Triexta is a newer fabric in the carpet industry with qualities similar to nylon. A notable carpet brand, Mohawk, makes triexta carpets from renewable corn sugar.
The carpets are stain-resistant, making them suitable for pet owners and kids’ rooms. Triexta carpets have a soft feel and also provide zero percent moisture absorption.
4. Olefin (Polypropylene)
Olefin carpets are solution-dyed artificial fiber carpets. Solution dyeing makes the carpets fade-resistant, even when exposed to sunlight and bleaches. As such, they make good outdoor carpets. This fiber isn’t as resilient as nylon so it may flatten under heavy foot traffic.
5. Acrylic
Acrylic carpets have a similar look and feel to wool. They’re also lightweight and hypoallergenic. Since they’re synthetic fibers, acrylic carpets resist moths, chemicals, and fading.
Consider an acrylic carpet if you’re looking for a fiber that mimics wool or cotton. But, acrylic may not be ideal for high-traffic areas since it stains and wears fast.
Common Carpet Styles
Carpet styles determine a carpet’s look and texture. Aside from aesthetics, twisting the yarns also influences a carpet’s durability.
1. Loop Pile
Loop pile carpets connect each fiber to the backing using loops. The pile is woven in and out of the carpet’s backing during manufacturing. They come in various loop heights and textures. Berber carpets are ideal loop pile carpets with a tight handmade weave.
2. Cut Pile
All loops in cut pile carpets are cut. The carpet piles are then twisted to maintain durability and softness. Cut-pile carpets are common in residential flooring.
They’re available in different thicknesses and tuft heights. Plush carpets have soft, even piles, giving them a cozy and luxurious finish.
3. Cut-Loop-Pile
Cut and loop pile carpets, or sculpted carpets, are made using loop and cut pile fibers. It results in a texture difference between the cut and looped fibers.
Manufacturers create patterns on cut-loop-pile carpets with different fiber colors. Herringbone patterned carpets use the cut-loop-pile style to come up with different colors.
4. Frieze Pile
Frieze pile carpets are cut-pile carpets with long twisted fibers. They’re a modern version of the 70s carpet texture with a fuzzy appearance (shag carpet).
While the frieze pile gives an informal look, the carpets are durable in high-traffic areas. However, the loose fibers trap dirt and stains and are challenging to clean. Choosing a solution-dyed frieze pile carpet will help prevent staining.
Since the fibers on a frieze pile carpet lay on their side instead of upright, they resist matting and crushing. Twisting fibers on frieze carpets also makes them durable.
5. Twist Pile
Homeowners install twist-pile carpets in hallways, stairs, and living rooms. Their short carpet fibers are twisted during the manufacturing process.
The technique forms a low-pile carpet with durable construction. Since the fibers are closely packed, twist-pile carpets don’t leave footprints or vacuum patterns.
6. Saxony Pile
Saxony carpets have a luxurious deep pile, with straight fibers cut into even lengths. The pile is not as long as a frieze pile but has longer tufts than twist pile carpets. As a result, they leave vacuum lines and footprints.
Saxony carpets come in various finishes, from smooth, silky velvet to a shaggy look. Velvet Saxony piles are straight and change color when touched. A textured Saxony pile has a kinky or shaggy look and doesn’t show footprints or vacuum patterns.
How to Pick the Right Carpet Type
Besides color and size, there are other things to consider when choosing the best carpet for your home.
Know the Maintenance Requirements
While all carpets need maintenance, some materials need professional cleaning and care. Kids’ rooms and households with pets need a low-pile and stain-resistant carpet. When selecting a carpet, use cleaning methods and detergents suitable for the material.
Compare the Carpet Padding Options
The carpet padding material is as crucial as the tufted material. You want firm and dense padding for high-traffic areas to cushion against the floor. Thick padding also extends the lifespan of your carpet.
Installing a carpet without padding may void its warranty. The most common padding options include foam, fiber, and rubber.
Check the Warranty Terms
Check the wear and appearance retention warranty terms when picking a carpet type. Fade resistance and stain and soil warranty terms are also worth considering. Notable brands also offer fade resistance and installation warranties.
The best carpeting companies offer a 10- to 20-year warranty on texture retention. Under this warranty, the carpet should keep its appearance under normal foot traffic. High-quality carpets tend to have such warranty conditions.
Consider the Installation Criteria
Before installing a new carpet, you need to remove the existing one and clean the subfloor. The rooms should be clear of any furniture or obstructions. You need specialty tools to measure the space, trim, and anchor. Hiring a professional is ideal for wall-to-wall carpeting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Which carpet type and style is best?
The best carpet type depends on the room’s use. Choose a low-pile carpet with stain resistance for a high-traffic area or outdoors. Nylon is the best carpet material since it’s durable and easy to maintain.
What’s the most common type of carpet?
Berber and sisal are common styles of loop pile carpets. Both carpet types are durable and affordable. Saxony carpets made from 100% nylon are also common in households.
What is a broadloom carpet?
A broadloom carpet is a woven or tufted carpet that fits wall-to-wall. Broadlooms are sold in rolls of 150 feet and widths ranging from 12 to 15 feet. Fewer seams on the carpets create a more cohesive space in large rooms.
What color carpet hides dirt the best?
Dark brown carpets work best in hiding dirt. Earthy tones conceal stains and crumbs well and do not need frequent vacuuming. They are suitable for offices, kids’ rooms, and households with pets.
Shopping for the best carpet can be overwhelming for most homeowners. Before picking a carpet type, consult with the salesperson. An expert will help you choose the best carpet fabric for your space.
Also, it’s crucial to go with the best carpet brands. A high-quality carpet should have solid construction, texture, and wearability.